Greig Leach

Yes the race had already covered 178 kilometers but it wasn't until Ivan Garcia Cortina (Movistar) attacked the peloton that the race really kicked off. Mick Van Dijke (Jumbo-Visma) had just swung off from his turn on the front when Ivan decided it was time to attack the favorites in this group. Perhaps he was hoping to catch the others napping since another 88 kilometers to race was a bit early to go off on a lone effort. Behind the Spaniard's wheel Olivier Le Gac (Groupama-FDJ) and Alberto Bettiol (EF Education-EasyPost) were able to cover the move. Others were not so lucky thus the first selection of Ronde Van Vlaanderen was made.